ABOUT ELENA

Stories have always been my way of making sense of the world.

I'm a screenwriter, novelist, and lifelong student of human behavior, fascinated by what happens when people find themselves at the threshold between who they've been and who they're becoming.

The edge in my writing comes from my Russian immigrant background, tempered by a sunny SoCal upbringing—kind of like Dostoyevsky on Molly. I learned English from classic TV reruns, studied Political Science, Communications, and Theatre at UC San Diego, spent a year in England, trained at the William Esper Studio in New York, and eventually realized I preferred pulling the strings to standing in the spotlight.

Whether I'm writing Hallmark romances, supernatural comedies, Greek mythology-inspired fantasies, or stories about psychic teenagers, grief, redemption, family dynamics, and transformation are always at the heart of the work.

My screenwriting has been recognized by the Austin Film Festival, the Warner Bros. Writers' Workshop, and Hallmark, where Rocky Mountain Christmas became one of the network's most successful premieres, followed by Wedding Season and Double Con Christmas on deck for Christmas 2026.

In 2015, I earned a Master's Degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica—a credential that deeply informs my work, even when I'm poking fun at it. I'm well-versed in healing ceremonies and all things woo-woo, and occasionally share my thoughts on my blog.

I'm currently publishing my debut fantasy novel, The Styx, a darkly funny reimagining of the descendants of Charon, while developing elevated romantic comedies that blend sharp cultural observations with commercial storytelling.

When I'm not writing about gods, mystical mischief, or love gone sideways, you'll find me surfing, snowboarding, hiking with my maltipoo Gus, or disappearing down a new spiritual rabbit hole.

Welcome. I'm glad you're here.